Suspected illegal immigrants elude deputies

A truck carrying what the DeWitt County Sheriff's Office believes to be illegal immigrants eluded law enforcement about 9:15 a.m. Saturday.

Deputy Lawrence Robles attempted to pull over a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado heading east on state Highway 72 about five miles from Yorktown, when the truck ran through a private fence and several pastures. Its occupants later abandoned the truck in thick brush near Woods Road, said Sheriff Jode Zavesky.

Zavesky said Robles reported seeing two occupants in the cab of the truck.

Robles contacted the nearby landowner, and the two used the landowner's truck to search the field.

The Texas Department of Public Safety sent out a helicopter to assist. Around noon, the DPS discovered the abandoned truck, which turned out to be reported stolen in Harris County.

Officers found a heavy tarp in the bed of the truck and a backpack full of clothes. Evidence found suggested deputies were investigating a case of human smuggling, Zavesky said.

The sheriff's canine unit and Yorktown Police Department also responded to the call.

Zavesky said deputies monitored the area Saturday night, but saw no activity.